I. Definition and molecular structure
UHMWPE Rope：
- Rope made from UHMWPE resin (molecular weight of 1.5 million or more) by gel spinning, emphasizing raw material properties
HMPE Rope:
- Refers exclusively to high modulus polyethylene ropes and cables made from UHMWPE fibers, which are the finished fiber form of UHMWPE ropes, highlighting high modulus properties.
Summary: UHMWPE is the name of the raw material, HMPE is the commercial name of the fiber rope, both belong to the same material system.
II. Core performance comparison
| Features | UHMWPE ROPE | HMPE ROPE |
| Tensile fatigue properties | Average (resin form is less fatigue resistant) | Significant advantage: continuous orientation of molecular chains after stress, strength increases with tensile cycle |
| Density and buoyancy | T0.93-0.94 g/cm³ (floatable) | 0.97-0.98 g/cm³ (equivalent water buoyancy) |
| Abrasion resistance | Top (better abrasion resistance than PTFE) | Excellent, but the fiber surface needs a protective layer against abrasion |
| Temperature resistance | Low temperature resistance (-269°C) Melting point approx. 145°C | Same left, high temperature limit 80-90°C |
| Insulation | High insulation (suitable for electrified work) | Equal insulation properties |
| UV resistance | Excellent (80% strength retention after 1500） | Equivalent UV resistance |
III. Application Scenario Differences
Typical use of UHMWPE rope：
- Wear-resistant scenes:
Mining haul rope, wear-resistant conveyor belt liner
- Insulation needs:
Power construction hauling ropes, power spanning operations
- Medical field:
Implantable braided ropes (e.g. artificial joint fixation)
HMPE Rope Core Area of Strength:
- Marine engineering:
Replaces steel wire rope (15 times stronger than steel, 87.5% lighter) for mooring cables, tow cables
- Safety Protection:
Bulletproof cables, fire rescue ropes (high energy absorption)
- Emerging fields:
Robot tendon rope (single unit value of more than 4000 yuan), high-end mountaineering rope
IV. Summary of key differences
♦ Performance Focus
- UHMWPE Ropes:
Outstanding abrasion resistance and insulation for static high abrasion scenarios
- HMPE Ropes:
Dynamic fatigue strength is a core advantage, with strength increasing rather than decreasing under cyclic loading.
♦ Process Differences
- UHMWPE Ropes:
Simpler process for ropes molded directly from the resin.
- HMPE Ropes:
A hyperbolic stretching process is required to make the molecular chains highly oriented to achieve high modulus properties.
Last!!
We accept customized the materials, width, thickness,color and length. For more technical information, please contact me.
Contact: Zoey Yuan
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